1H-Imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines and antiviral use

A compound of the formula ##STR26## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl of one to about ten carbon atoms, hydroxylalkyl of one to about six carbon atoms, acyloxyalkyl wherein the acyloxy moiety is alkanoyloxy of two to about four carbon atoms or benzoyloxy, and the alkyl moiety contains one to about six carbon atoms, benzyl, (phenyl)ethyl and phenyl, said benzyl, (phenyl)ethyl or phenyl substituent being optionally substituted on the benzene ring by one or two moieties independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms, alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms and halogen, with the proviso that if said benzene ring is substituted by two of said moieties, then said moieties together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms;

• R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of one to about eight carbon atoms, benzyl, (phenyl)ethyl and phenyl, the benzyl, (phenyl)ethyl or phenyl substituent being optionally substituted on the benzene ring by one or two moieties independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms, alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms and halogen, with the proviso that when the benzene ring is substituted by two of said moieties, then the moieties together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms;
• and each R is independently selected from the group consisting of alkoxy of one to about four carbon atoms, halogen and alkyl of one to about four carbon atoms, and n is an integer from 1 to 2, with the proviso that if n is 2, then said R groups together contain no more than 6 carbon atoms;
• or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.